Brutally Ranking Vocal Runs Of Kpop Idols

[@Rayquazamv]

The first name that came to my mind when I heard 'Riffs' or 'Runs' is none other than Kyungsoo. There's no doubt that he's on the top 3 most agile K-Pop vocalist so far!

[@LEMII_.]

FR

[@nentiariyanti3486]

Yesss

[@AngelitoRage]

no doubt

[@izzalrahizam8865]

cannot lie, same!

[@YenSoo-dm8vu]

yes 100%

[@tamakikun5109]

KYUNGSOO PLS DROP A HEAVY R&B SONG OR HECK EVEN COVER, MY MAN IS SO HUMBLE DOESN'T EVEN FLAUNT WHAT HE HAS BUT SOME OF US NEED IT TO SLEEP AT NIGHT PUHLLLZ GIMMIE THAT DOH NYQIL 😭🤧🍯

[@Backstreetboys4ever]

OMG YES PLEASE!

[@Nick-cv3szrxnc]

D.O. and taeyeon. Perfect combination of soothing voice and perfect technique

[@adjkshdj-mc7tw]

perfect?

[@AnnieKim-fd7wz]

Its typo i think 😂 ​@@adjkshdj-mc7tw

[@heartsmile112]

Kyungsoo really is my all-time favorite singer. His skills and vocal color are really superb. His runs and riffs in XOXO, Tell Me What Is Love (Hope it was also shown), to name a few always make me repeat the song over and over again. Hope we can hear more R&B from him in the future!

[@dodbbong97]

I'm so glad Doh Kyungsoo’s vocals are getting the recognition they deserve. His vocals are incredibly versatile and fits perfectly with any genre. Can’t wait to hear more of his work next year♡

[@christianlamar_]

I fell in love with D.O during my review of the War. He has so many great vocal moments in that album and it made me dive deeper into his solo material. He reminds me so much of the r&b men of the 90s and 2000s.

[@fivestarmichelin_]

The way I knew Kyungsoo would be here as soon as I saw the title.

[@Yasu_2]

More vocalist Keeho appreciation!!! Even fans sometimes tend to forget that he's not just a guy with a hilarious personality, but also a brilliant singer

[@v4leree]

Istg I didn't know he could sing like that all I see on TikTok is him being funny

[@baccano5003]

D.o " tell me whats is love" is literally a definition what a good run is ❤❤❤

[@ilhamweisdiyanto4967]

Kyungsoo's Coach on that song it's better than kyungsoo it self but their voice are kinda similar

[@mfkimkai]

@@ilhamweisdiyanto4967 Well its yooyoungjin we talkin bout the guy who pretty much train all of sm main vocalist...but out of all his student kyungsoo is closest to him when it come to runs...even when he's 19 he already handling very difficult runs like pro

[@exlguns6417]

😂.. that was not actual run

[@mypearlb5208]

Kyungsoo, as expected. No words needed.

[@rolypoly3744]

As an exo-l who has kyungsoo as her favorite vocalist in kpop I knew I would love this video. Also I am happy that baekhyun got his deserved spotlight. But the real highlight and takeaway from this video is definitely the vocalist you placed first (Naul). You convinced me to listen to him, like those clips were unbelievable. I love it when I get to discover a new artist.

[@liveriah]

I really wish Kyungsoo did some heavy rnb projects in his solo music like Tell Me What Is Love or Missing You (with Ryeowook). Literally his best agility and r&b moments have been reduced to hidden radio performances, too old live performances and some not official covers. I love his first solo album, but he needs to embrace the legend he already was back in exo days, you know😭

[@kledi3817]

Totally agree but I will say his debut album was too good. He just failed to switch it up after

[@asssj6]

well i would partially blamed SM for that tbh. While chen and baekhyun get their spotlight as main vocal, kyungsoo never once had his own spotlight. He was never sent out to any show or music festival during his golden days. Hence his solo career a bit left behind compared to those two bcs he have not found nor realize his own potential. He's just discovered his potential now with the exposure his new company gave.

[@liveriah]

@@asssj6 agree, remember when us dandanies were fighting sm for not giving him any solo activity while being the main vocalist until we finally got it. But let me tell you that his recent covers and collabs have been blessing me because he is sanging

[@liveriah]

example: lee mujin service and the collab with Suhyun. Those are giving me life istg😩

[@asssj6]

@@liveriah Exactly. Seeing his growth, especially how he gradually gained momentum and confidence after his fan concert and appearances at his friends' concerts, is a great way to conduct a market survey, particularly in terms of the types of music his fans are anticipating. I hope he now realizes his potential, and I believe 2025 will be a big year for him as an artist, both in acting and music.

[@springss1861]

I was just listening to EXO’s What is Love, and the vocal runs in that song are insane

[@mashedpotato3291]

Their pre-debut song is already amazing

[@sagaewanaoko9048]

Belle is soooooo Ariana Grande coded. The voice, the technique is similar even tho Ariana is like a legend. Could you look at Xdinary Heroes' Jooyeon and Jungsu ? I know they're more stylistic oriented since they're a k-rock band but i never saw them included in a k-pop ranking even if they're in JYP.

[@kira_legran]

Jooyeon is the best male vocalist in 4th gen without doubt

[@fukanoonwish999]

Yeah but belle strain to much

[@Hhhhgu8]

Fr​@@fukanoonwish999

[@hfjddjkdd5000]

A general video about kpop bands would be interesting in general

[@kyumi__]

@@kira_legran It’s Mingyu from DKZ but from more popular groups, it’s Taerae from ZB1

[@zmsd7405]

I remember watching a vocal teacher on KZbin a while back reaction to Doh Kyungsoo's Tell me what is love. And he describes Kyungsoo has a phd in runs.

[@troua2001]

i agree with d.o. i just feel like he never goes all out. was wondering who u put in #1 but when i saw it, i was like "yep i get it"

[@exollence]

ahhh my exo loves BAEKHYUN & KYUNGSOO are here of course, i love my talented kings! and i really appreciate what you said for their segments, i also hope for more all out vocal runs from kyungsoo because that's HIS power!!!

[@kayellejay9608]

My favorite riffing from D.O. is in the song It's Love. It's so amazing.

[@ajasuncion6233]

Kyungsoo = R&B! Doh Kyungsoo is the kind of singer who does not overdo things. He ain't giving that 100% yet. But once Kyungsoo fully taps on his R&B-POP-HIPHOP side and accepts it fully, FOR ME he can make it all the way up. His vocal tone, agility, and vocal rhythm are smooth, soulful, and natural. 🎉🎉🎉

[@mypearlb5208]

I was hoping to see Ningning here and you did not disappoint. Not a lot of people recognize her skill in that area. It's always high note here high note there, but she can do so much more that are more complex and actually suits her vocal tone and stylistic singing. The skill set she has truly sets her apart from the rest of aespa.

[@acebase555]

NingNing has so much potential in so many areas. Her range is 3+ octaves (she has a C6 in Beautiful Christmas). Her lower register is insane. I feel like SM doesn’t show off her abilities as much as they could because they are trying to keep her and Winter (who is a great vocalist in her own right) balanced.

[@sakurajeya4039]

She's not that good compare to other idol in this list

[@mypearlb5208]

@@sakurajeya4039 Nah, she definitely has moments where she's even clearer than Wendy or Taeyeon. It's just that most aespa songs don't do her justice when it comes to runs and riffs, so she's stuck showing bits here and there.

[@mypearlb5208]

@acebase555 Her upper register in Long Chat was fantastic!

[@AoDk673]

Actually Ning2 runs are kinda more recognised than her high notes especially now since winter is the one people think when it comes to belting in aespa. Ning2 is more recognised in her vocal runs, head voice and low notes.

[@Cupidador]

keeho and ailee have such rnb-made voices like PLEASE drop an rnb album i beg!!

[@alexd5188]

Keeho so underrated

[@KPOP-hf2qz]

I love how youre rooting for D.O because mee too. lowkey was expecting Max changmin here too, just learned about that guy,

[@solbug]

right i think his agility is very impressive in the kpop scene!

[@msjgreen815]

same, i was expecting at least one dbsk member, if not changmin then junsu or jaejoong. i think they all have a good grasp on runs

[@resurgingflame]

Changmin's agility is a mess. His is sloppy most of the time.

[@aeong_bread]

brown eyed soul mention??? thank you!!! naul is phenomenal, never see ANYONE talk about them, their music is beautiful.

[@remixedv]

Kyungsoo's voice is a blessing... agility, tone, projection. D.O. is saving his voice... early years he'd hit those notes. Smart man. Respect to Naul. *Yoo YoungJin & DEEZ, Respect.

[@Chuu_Vault]

I love Belle's runs she reminds me of honey when she runs, it's just so sweet

[@Aniteamworker24]

Belle, D.O, Keeho, Ailee, and Naul is the finalists of riffs and runs like WOW!!!

[@_inasali]

Loving the Keeho vocal appreciation. I love the tone of his voice and it always adds to their songs/performances when I hear him do runs, its always very rnb coded which I love!!!

[@Leeyul6112]

Kyungsoo is my top pick for this category❤thank you for this. All are great singers. I don't know about Naul, i think i will listen to his music now😌🫶 I'm a sucker for singers that have very good vocal tone and techniques 😁

[@ExolExist]

When you're an exol you click on these videos without any fear. All these vocalists are good, I got to know many others. Especially keeho, Ailee and Naul. I don't know much about first generation, so time to get to know them. And trust me, we'd love to see a wild kyungsoo ❤

[@kyura112]

YES,I click on this video,bcs I saw Kyugsoo on Samne.🤣

[@AniMe-ei7cu]

Kyungsoo ♥️

[@daniellemari4621]

Kyungsoo is the king of riffs and runs. Have you listened to the full version of Tell Me What is love? his duet with SM Vocal coach Yoo Young Jin? (that's the portion of the song he belted out in your video as I'm sure you know.) It felt like ages ago but his riffs and runs there are top tier. I mean the full version one not the one with the MV- this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6vQn6h5dr9na9U. because if you want all out- that is the one. of course i know what you mean, esp with his albums. also, listen to his ballad Si Fueras Mia. You might just change his ranking to number 1- unless you've already listened to both already.

[@M_ri_m]

Kyungsoo is the best ❤

[@Maddoctor1099]

Kyungsoo's runs ❤❤❤❤

[@JennyM29]

You make me remember how I thirst for Kyungsoo to do full cover of Nothing Better and If you leave 🥲 the little tease he made during his car ride in EXO showtime my God

[@nouraouni2819]

Thank you for reminding me that clip exists, I’m going to listen to it right now. It’s too short though 😭

[@inkhotimah]

There is no doubt that Kyungsoo will be in the top 2, the next King Riff&Runs 🎉

[@ReneTerrago]

should be at the top

[@aayushgupta1265]

Naul is the legend so it is only fair that he is at the top, ksoo is just a little behind him

[@mAsHuMaRoPanda]

I was literally shocked when I saw D.O. rank 2nd. But then when I saw Naul at 1st place I was like 😅 oh yeah. I wasn't expecting him to be in this ranking, I didn't even know that you knew about him. Especially since the artists in the ranking are mostly 2nd gen to 5th. A lot of people are not familiar with Naul or Brown Eyed Soul. But my gawd Naul is a legend in the K music industry, although he has distanced himself from the spotlight. I do think he still produces and writes music though, but is very picky/particular with who he works with. Brown Eyed Soul is like the "K Boyz ii Men".

[@k.l912]

Kyungsoo is so adorable ❤

[@jikyeojulge]

I mean I expect D.O. to be on the list (obviously), but so happy to find baekhyun on the list as well~

[@mfkimkai]

well between the 3 main vocalist chen baek do...chen major strenght is the range, d.o is the agility, and baek sit right in the mid he has the range and the agility but not as advance as the other two...but his main quality would be versatility bc his voice could fit any genre

[@eldershawol]

kyungsoo is so funny the way he doesn't even try and would rather make some chill acoustic music. love that guy. (also to be clear his acoustic stuff is still really impressive for other reasons, he's just generally showcasing techniques other than runs.)

[@mandy5674]

I expected Kyungsoo to be here (I mean, he IS the king of vocal runs), but I’m glad Baekhyun was also recognized! I love his runs (his Cry For Love run is my favorite vocal moment from him) 💖

[@Starymixx]

Haewon's riffs and runs are definitely one of the best in 4th gen. Her agility is underrated asf.

[@TanishaMajumdar]

Fr I was hoping to see haewon here with lily ...her runs are so good

[@bierangtamen]

HAEWON MENTIONED

[@xryvxctyrsyndry]

But Its so sad ,bcz shes not well known as a singer

[@Nunyabby]

I think he only wanted to put 1 person per group because let’s be real all of nmixx could be here

[@alexd5188]

I like her a lot

[@disneychanyeor82]

I have been begging for so long to hear kyungsoo sing beyonce's ego and virgo's groove just to see how he would process and interpret it... please someone teach him about tiktok vocal challenges so we can hear a snippet at least 😭

[@soakedpasta]

Stop mentioning Kyungsoo in the comments. My fingers are sore from liking all those comments.

[@joanne8159]

Girl same 😅😅 but good sore 😅😅😅

[@AoDk673]

D.O is the king of runs in kpop male group.

[@lyzcabrera5216]

I'M SO HAPPY KEEHO IS INCLUDED that man always riffs like crazy in his lives for funsies, and he was going off in their concerts!! :)

[@DudaTeles-i4m]

I think when Kyungsoo give us an a R&B album, and show how his voice could be so strong, i have sure he can become a Korean male beyoncé.

[@R0VERKAI]

Kyungsoo has much more potential but he never goes all out because he doesn't want to show off his skills.

[@bogik.3047]

We're just hoping he does it one day... The world needs more of his riffs!

[@Nonofyobusiness-ppl]

Yup, he likes to go his way and take things with flow and doesn't go all out. Humble and deliberate person honestly, I believe he will go for r&b in the future, whether it be heavy soul (I will assent to heaven) or just simple pop or funk r&b

[@yuola1275]

wheein has that honey vocals that can make you feel relaxed with those riffs and runs she does

[@199453063]

I am a simple person I see DO I click

[@kyura112]

Same to me. Without fear bcs I saw the video without Kyungsoo.

[@harleen8645]

Read the title and immediately thought “Kyungsoo”

[@-bitzy-]

This is one of the only KZbin channels where I watch every video and anxiously wait for

[@belltty24]

I’m so proud of Belle. Out of all people in the list, she is the youngest there and least experienced in the industry yet very talented. She will definitely improve and I cannot wait to see more. Thanks for Belle’s shoutout and recognition ❤ she and KIOF are so underrated.

[@dragonismyname-5445]

#Kyungsoo was locked in the basement of 🐍M for years and even that evil company cutoff all his killing parts when performing 「Killing Voice」， thanks God he left and enjoying all the success in singing/acting/variety in 2024，a multitalented SOLO artist🎉 you will expect more in 2025，kickoff with KongKongBapBap KKPP spinoff，and DKS4 with surprises❤

[@lorak.4023]

I knew D.O. would be one of the top ones, his and Wheein's runs are my favorite. Belle is one of my favorite from the new gen kpop

[@nymmechannel3446]

Kyungsoo on top! 🎉🎉🎉

[@k0k0m0n]

The fact that I guessed 10/11 vocalists on the list shows how deep I am into this lol But honestly, i wasn't expecting naul to be here, I did listen to a decent amount of BES because of a recommendation when I was starting out in kpop, but I 100% agree with you there. He's quite an underappreciated vocalist, and his voice especially is what got me hooked to a lot of BES and his songs

[@denize2953]

Baekhyun is amazing, he is really an all rounder vocalist, he has really good agility, good head voice-falsetto, good low register and i love the emotions he puts in his voice he really can sing any genre and make it his ❤ so glad he was on this list and i love your videos

[@Svz-uv8pq]

TAEYEON is really a great singer and her runs in Blur, although they are super short, sound beautiful. She always improves and surprises with each comeback. 😍❤️🔥

[@silvermistfairy1410]

couldn't agree more❤

[@スカーレット-l6o]

ギョンスのランは冗談じゃない🎉

[@abcdef-kf3my]

I mean I knew D.O will be the top since I didn’t know the last Idol but Baekhyun in top 6 is amazing people don’t give enough credit for his runs and riffs since he’s most well known for his higher notes and adlibs. This is great for EXO🥰🥰

[@Ladydydiana]

Baekhyun n Kyungsoo 😍 Thankyouuuuuuuuu ❤

[@jsdsarang]

I'm looking forward to seeing Keeho's future! Thank you for appreciating Keeho's vocal.

[@zoutheinaabbas1003]

Wheein. That's it, that's the comment.

[@ellainegarcia1935]

D.O HAVE ABILITY OR PROFESSOR IN VOCALS RUNS

[@Faisaltm2]

D.O is him

[@miaomiaoblanco]

Personally I find vocal agility to be more impressive than range sometimes + it’s a more healthy way to showcase vocal skill so I thoroughly enjoyed this!!! Loved all your picks but thank you especially for mentioning Keeho and Wheein 🫰

[@GN2NG]

Haewon deserve to be here too bruhhh.....

[@スカーレット-l6o]

ギョンスはR&B部門で賞をとりました。

[@Lifebubble167]

I am EXO fan so i will only talk about my boys. Baekhyun's runs break me and then re structure me back in place.(cry for love) Kyungsoo , what should i say my soul gets soothingly bruised by his warm, chocolaty vocal runs and chops. I can kill and get killed to have D.O's agility along with his tone.

[@hlnt6816]

I was like, which idol could possibly top kyungsoo in terms of vocal runs? But then u put naul as number 1 n altho he is not an idol.... I have to admit that he IS the GOAT of riffs n runs. On that note, I had the pleasure to attend d.o fan meeting this year and honestly, best vocal ever.

[@i.am.sancha]

I pretty much agree with this list. Especially the fact that D.O. uses a lot of restraint. I'd looooooove to see him just go full out! His voice is incredible. I think the only person that I'd probably add off the top of my head is Gsoul/Golden/G The Prince. He definitely comes from the school of Stevie, Whitney, and Mariah!

[@jjuaassol]

Naul? He's on a whole different level. His peers are the singers like Hosin Park, Bumsoo Kim, or Soo Lee. As for Ailee? She's very close to the league of Sohang, Ki-Young Park, Ali, or Lena Park.

[@SCRIABINIST]

Naul and Ailee aren't even idols, they're singers by profession but they are a LOT better overall than everyone else in the video

[@thehainote1082]

Don’t forget Park Hyo Shin! Unless that’s what you meant “Hosin Park”. And Jung Dong Ha as well

[@alexd5188]

Ailee was an idol back on the day. Solo one. Not anymore

[@resurgingflame]

​@@SCRIABINISTAilee WAS an idol tho. For a long time. She's just not really anymore these days.

[@triplej8666]

yep top 3 male vocalist in korea just behind jung dongha then park hyoshin. also pls dont mention lee soo with those other guys🤣, i know he is included in kim-na-park, but he is so much worse than the other 3 in terms of technique, idk how he public stuck him next to those 3 vocalists lol, its like sticking IU next to Sohyang, Haeri, Younghyun, sure the music is great but the vocals are worlds apart

[@JeangraceSalgado]

Kyungsoo and Wendy are king and queen of vocal runs in kpop the best RnB singer of kpop..

[@eyebrowstj]

Facts! My #1 male and female kpop vocalists hands down!

[@eyebrowstj]

@JeangraceSalgado Wendy should be ranked much higher. This user clearly does not know Wendy's vocals. They show one clip of an off performance a d all of a sudden Wendy's vocals are deteriorating. Smh.

[@thehainote1082]

Bruhhhhh Brown Eyed Soul is more of an R&B group, but hey ain’t nobody else could beat Kyungsoo other than Naul himself ❤️🔥 he probably has at least top 3 most agile voice in South Korea as a whole

[@rowanthea2673]

Completely agree with Naul as #1 and Kyungsoo as a very close second

[@ForcetoBeAlone]

BaekSoo is my fav for male kpop idol in vocal agillity❤

[@batatagumball5549]

In early songs Shinee used to use a lot of vocal agility

[@SCRIABINIST]

I wonder how SHINee places on this list, I do know that Jonghyun

[@zinja0830]

I like that you highlighted Naul, because wow! While it's not a song with insane vocal runs, he was featured on Tablo's song Airbag, which is still one of my all-time favorite b-sides. It's haunting, moody, and beautiful. His voice adds so much emotion to that song.

[@Misskboboh]

Baekhyun 🤝🏻 Kyungsoo our king of KPOP😉✌🏻💅

[@ellainegarcia1935]

Thanks you mention doh kyungsoo.ilike kpop because for d.o first i hear his voice being group to exo.D.O HAVE ABILITY TO RUN IS VOICE..

[@1990superstranger]

DO’s view is just a rift/run showcase

[@hikikomorielf]

me when I see Kyungsoo rank second: WTF! Imma pick a fight with Ain't No Other Fan 😤 me when I see Naul as the first rank: OH- okay, that's actually a totally fair judgment 🙃

[@asyrafdimyati2529]

One thing about D.O is that he should sing more songs with riffs and runs so that he can develop more. When was the last time we listen to his complex runs? I wish he can showcase more of his runs.

[@ReneTerrago]

just this year actually

[@crossedcurrent]

Would you consider making a video on the potential for 5th gen vocalists/vocal lines to improve? I know it’s hard to rank them right now bc most debuted so recently, but I think it could be interesting to explore who technique that will be harmful in the long run vs a strong foundation for future development. Thanks for the great vid!

[@hagpill]

ningning's vocal runs in drama stood out to me so much. maybe even more than winter's high note. oh ningriana grande.

[@sone_0625]

For someone who heard kyungsoo’s vocals live. Hands down he is the best vocalists/artist for me.

[@HOOCH-Y]

D.O. is always number 1.

[@dahmoandmiyeonult]

runs r so satisfying to listen too oml.. i’d love to see a part two with other vocalists as well !! (ie jo yuri, liz, jihyo, seungkwan, triples dahyun etc)

[@thelemoncafe]

KEEHO MENTIONED ‼️‼️‼️ seriously this man has one of the most beautiful voices i have ever heard. in the realm of kpop, i feel like his voice is not that common and i am so glad he is a part of p1harmony ❤️‍🔥

[@dandanloey]

Kyungsoo singing XOXO ❤‍🔥

[@izzalrahizam8865]

I want English R&B Album from Do Kyungsoo so bad! ❤ like literally R&B Soul genre!

[@estebanrodriguezlagos6858]

Me alegra ver a Lily entre estos grandes del kpop❤❤❤

[@soo_cclare3969]

D.O all the way

[@Babyla.Purple]

Kyungsoo voice the best 🔥

[@nanakimwinchester]

BaekHyun and KyungSoo

[@1990superstranger]

Taeyeon has some variety of runs in some B sides, such as Find me, wine (layered vocal), to the moon, strangers ( her latest mini album)… check them out if you like. Not forgetting the newly dropped masterpiece “Blur”. though she does a lot of descending vocal runs, still not many is at her level. Just sayin😂

[@IvanaGao-o6t]

Do kyung soo ❤

[@stanloona8881]

I love Ailee and Wheein so much♥️💖

[@M-km5ic]

When i saw the title, i immediately thought of Hyolyn

[@alexd5188]

Really like her

[@Werewolfgaming135]

I know she isn't from a kpop group but i think lara (from katseye) is also really good with runs or i maybe be wrong but what are your thoughts on it

[@sushanthnyamati4054]

Riffs 'run' in our blood (I'm indian)

[@kajalpathak1765]

She is another level man she is just awesome no one compare them here😂